NORFOLK, Neb. – FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha) is the latest business to announce its support for the Northeast Community College iHub project, with a donation of $50,000.
“Community banks like FNBO support the businesses the iHub will serve,” said iHub Director Erin Sorensen, “and they recognize that creating a dynamic environment where learners, makers, and professionals can thrive together will help shape the future of our region.”
“The iHub is not just a static facility,” Sorensen explained. “It’s a versatile and mobile resource serving a 20-county region. By offering portable equipment and adaptable programming, we ensure that the transformative power of technology, robotics education, and workforce development is accessible to communities across our entire region.”
FNBO is privately held and rooted in six generations of family leadership. Since its inception 167 years ago, FNBO has grown to more than 4,500 employees with locations in eight states and more than $31 billion in assets. FNBO focuses on key areas of need in its communities, such as affordable housing, workforce development, and financial literacy.
“FNBO has a proud history of giving back to our local communities,” said Jacob Arkfeld, senior adviser for commercial and agribusiness banking at FNBO. “In 2024 alone, we’ve donated nearly $1.8 million in grants across our footprint.
“We are thrilled to invest and support the Northeast Community College iHub,” Arkfeld continued. “This initiative will open doors for students from all ages and all backgrounds to engage in robotics, automation, and metal/woodworking. Norfolk has a long-standing history in manufacturing, and this project will help shape a skilled workforce for the future success of business in Norfolk and many other Nebraska communities.”
The total iHub project cost is expected to be $8.5 million. Initial funding came from a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and a $750,000 Community Project Funding Request from U.S. Representative Mike Flood. After accounting for the initial investment of institutional matching funds for some equipment and the purchase of the facility, the remaining gap is $2 million.
In recognition of the donation, the CNC Plasma Room in the iHub will be named for FNBO. Naming rights are available for donations of $25,000 and above, with gifts from $500 to $24,999 acknowledged on a donor recognition display.
For more information on the iHub Campaign, contact Tracy Kruse at foundation@northeast.edu or call 402 844-7240. Online donations are being accepted at northeast.edu/give. Checks may also be mailed to the iHub Campaign, Northeast Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 469, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469.
FNBO Donation
FNBO recently provided $50,000 for the Northeast iHub. Shown (front row, from left) are Erin Sorensen, Northeast; Leah Barrett, Northeast; Jacob Arkfeld, FNBO; and Chad Gonka, FNBO; (second row, from left) Mason Zimmerer, Northeast; Kelli Fisher, FNBO; Natasha Dostal, FNBO; and Mark Zimmerer, FNBO; (back row, from left) Tracy Kruse, Northeast; Luke Korth, FNBO; and Jocelyn Gracia, FNBO. (Northeast Community College)
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